Cocktail Meatballs
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Loading... - christine rhoda
- 15 Apr 2022
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It's easy to keep them gluten-free and low-carb by avoiding fillers such as breadcrumbs and opting for sugar-free ketchup and maple syrup when making the sauce.
I love meatballs – turkey meatballs, pork meatballs, chicken meatballs, spicy meatballs… but these are especially fun because of their size. And they are also extra flavorful, thanks to the simple yet delicious three-ingredient sauce.
In fact, I like these cocktail meatballs so much, that I often serve them to my family for dinner. Why wait until we host when we can enjoy these tasty ground beef morsels whenever we feel like it? They truly are very easy to make.
EXPERT TIP
I have found while experimenting with this recipe that since the meatballs are fully cooked when they emerge from the oven, simmering them in the sauce results in them being overcooked.
On the other hand, I really prefer to bake them first, because this ensures they are fully and evenly cooked.
So rather than adding the cooked meatballs to the sauce and simmering them in the sauce, I simmer the sauce while the meatballs are in the oven, and then simply add them to the sauce and turn to coat.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Can I make this recipe with ground pork?
Yes, absolutely! This recipe works well with ground pork. It's also good with ground chicken, as long as you use ground chicken thighs and not chicken breast.
Can I use extra-lean ground beef?
I highly recommend using lean ground beef (85/15) in this recipe. I tried making it with extra-lean ground beef (93/7) and felt that the meatballs turned out too dry and not juicy enough.
Can I freeze cocktail meatballs?
Yes! Spread them on a wax paper-lined tray and freeze them for a few hours. Once frozen, you can place them in freezer bags and thaw a few at a time.
VARIATIONS ON THE SAUCE
The mustard is optional, so you can omit it if you want. I do feel that it adds an extra dimension of flavor, and I especially like to use Dijon mustard, which is thicker, creamier, and less vinegary than yellow mustard.
If you don’t mind the carbs, you can obviously use regular ketchup and real maple syrup (or honey). I’ve made this recipe with honey and it’s amazing. Definitely better than sugar-free maple syrup.
However, it’s thicker and not as liquid, and honey burns easily, so keep a close eye on it. You might only need to warm it for a few minutes, then turn the heat off.
SERVING SUGGESTIONS
You can obviously serve these tasty meatballs as a party appetizer with some toothpicks or mini party forks.
If you have some extra sauce left, place it in a small bowl next to the meatballs so that people can dip (hopefully not double-dip!) their meatballs in the extra sauce.
You can also serve them for dinner. I like to serve them on top of mashed cauliflower, and again, I don’t let any of the sauce go to waste – I pour any extra sauce on top of the meatballs.
STORING LEFTOVERS
You can keep the leftovers in the fridge, in an airtight container, for up to 4 days. Reheat them in the microwave, covered, on 50% power. You can also freeze them for up to three months.
Keto Cocktail Meatballs
Juicy little cocktail meatballs are the best appetizer! Coated in a wonderfully flavorful sauce, they are simply irresistible.
Prep Time: 15 mins
Cook Time: 15 mins
Total Time: 30 mins
INGREDIENTS
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â–¢Olive oil spray
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â–¢1 lb. lean ground beef (85/15)
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â–¢1 teaspoon Diamond Crystal kosher salt
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â–¢½ teaspoon black pepper
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â–¢1 teaspoon garlic powder
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â–¢1 teaspoon onion powder
Sauce:
· 
â–¢½ cup unsweetened ketchup
· 
â–¢1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
· 
â–¢¼ cup sugar-free maple syrup (use the real thing if you don't mind the carbs)
INSTRUCTIONS
Preheat your oven to 400 degrees F. Line a large rimmed baking sheet with foil and spray the foil with olive oil spray.
In a large bowl, mix the beef with the spices.
Form into 24 small meatballs, each weighing around 20 grams. I actually weight them on a kitchen scale, but you can eyeball it too.
Place the meatballs on the prepared baking sheet, not touching each other. Spray them with olive oil, then bake for 10 minutes. Read More…
